My 2nd charter was a 4588 Bayliner many years ago and we fell in love with the boat. I'm one of those who uses the phrase "Bang for the buck" and that's simply because the Bayliner motoryachts offer a LOT of boat for the buck. Not that they're cheap, but they're less expensive than many of their competitors.

Thanks for the kind words everyone! Funny enough, after looking at a gazzilion boats, the two that really spoke to me was the Bayliner and the Defever 49. Two totally different boats in every way. The decision of course was made by Michelle....I just went along to keep her company

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I'd like to live like a poor man....only with lots of money

Well, I just have to chime in! As a fellow 4788 owner I agree you made a wise choice! When you run at trawler speeds you can get between 1.2 to 1.5 nmpg, which isn't bad. The model-specific expertise on BOC is incredible. I like this site for the camaraderie of fellow boat lovers and cruisers.

Bayliner actually was toward the low end of the price scale when built, but it's to their credit that they've held resale better than many other boats.

My best friend had a 4588 and we often talked about the relatively low price he paid. As I've stated several times before, "they are a great boat and yes, you get a lot of bang for the buck." As for resale? Some of the hottest pre owned boats on the market are the 45/4788 Bayliners.

I'm glad I found this thread as I am to considering a 4788 but was wondering how the boat would act in somewhat rough water. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? I haven't been able to fully ascertain the hull shape from pictures on YachtWorld, but from what I could see the bottom is fairly flat without much of a keel and prop protection. Am I wrong? I too think the layout will work well and will be looking at one soon. We just need to get to the Bahamas in one piece and if encounter rough water can't have the boat coming apart. Thanks for any advice!

I'm glad I found this thread as I am to considering a 4788 but was wondering how the boat would act in somewhat rough water. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? I haven't been able to fully ascertain the hull shape from pictures on YachtWorld, but from what I could see the bottom is fairly flat without much of a keel and prop protection. Am I wrong? I too think the layout will work well and will be looking at one soon. We just need to get to the Bahamas in one piece and if encounter rough water can't have the boat coming apart. Thanks for any advice!

The fact that Kevin has his boat in the Gulf of Alaska answers that question.

You won't find any worse weather in the Bahamas or even crossing the Gulf Stream to get there.

Congratulations Dimer2.
Sounds like you two have a great plan and the perfect boat for it.

I'm glad I found this thread as I am to considering a 4788 but was wondering how the boat would act in somewhat rough water. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? I haven't been able to fully ascertain the hull shape from pictures on YachtWorld, but from what I could see the bottom is fairly flat without much of a keel and prop protection. Am I wrong? I too think the layout will work well and will be looking at one soon. We just need to get to the Bahamas in one piece and if encounter rough water can't have the boat coming apart. Thanks for any advice!

So much is relative and more about the operator than the boat. One person will venture far out when another stays at the dock. Bayliner will do as well or better than any boat in it's size and type. Am not aware of any coming apart. But rough water is your definition. I know many here who don't venture out in greater than 3-4'. Others of us don't hesitate on 6-8'.

Keep in mind the Bayliner was a PNW boat in it's origin. While on the trip to the Bahamas from Florida you'll most often see 3-4' with 6 seconds or 6-8' with 9 seconds, off the coast of Washington 10' swells at 13 seconds are not uncommon. You'll have to determine your own tolerance.

Yes, thanks for answering Sammy's questions as I am obviously not in a position yet to do so. We took possession yesterday and are provisioning, adding AIS and a few other bits and pieces. The weather looks like it has shut us down until Friday, which will allow a bit more time to learn the systems. PO has been awesome as far as answering questions and will even be on board when I fuel her today.

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I'd like to live like a poor man....only with lots of money

I remember reading a blog about a 44' Nova sundeck on which the owners were for their retirement cruising up and down the California, Oregon, and Washington coasts. These are fabled rough water areas, known for their severe weather.

The gal writing the blog adressed that issue head on. She indicated that she and her husband had never seen any of the rough water of lore.

That because, since they are retired and have nowhere to go they just do not venture out in rough weather. They stay in port and enjoy their lives.

When they actually leave port they consider the afternoon "sea breezes" and leave in time to avoid them.

For those looking for a larger vessel fitting the Bayliner 4788 philosophy, the Pacific Mariner 65 may well fit the bill. Built and designed by the same folks as Washington made Bayliners and Meridians. Like Meridian, production ceased a decade or so ago for many different reasons.

For those looking for a larger vessel fitting the Bayliner 4788 philosophy, the Pacific Mariner 65 may well fit the bill.

It's an incredible boat as is the 85. I'm still upset with them over discontinuing the 65 and now upset over them discontinuing the 85. Two great boats, but now Westport's smallest boat is 112'. (In addition to the two old Pacific Mariners being dropped, they also dropped their 98'.)

Well we had a weather window Wednesday and left Crystal river at dawn, 1-2 foot they said. 3-4 with a couple 5's I got. 3 gusting 5 they said. White caps as far as the eye could see I got. No precipitation they said. Thunder and lightning and the darkest night ever I got. We got the front quicker than we thought. No sh!t I said.

All in all a good trip. The weather laid down that afternoon about 2 which made us decide to head direct for Panama. Unfortunately about 2 in the morning the front hit. By daybreak all was good with the world again.

So we are anchored out with about 40 miles to go before Pensacola, where some upgrades/changes will be done.

Richard on Dauntless is my new hero.....

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I'd like to live like a poor man....only with lots of money